Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide held discussions with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce Mark Mitchell on strengthening economic cooperation, expanding investment opportunities and advancing trade relations between Ethiopia and the United States.
During the meeting, Ahmed Shide briefed Mitchell on Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic and structural reform agenda, highlighting progress made in creating a more conducive environment for private sector development and foreign direct investment.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness, improving the business climate and expanding opportunities for international investors.
Mitchell commended the progress achieved under Ethiopia’s reform program and expressed appreciation for efforts to improve the investment environment. He underscored the importance of deepening commercial and investment ties between the two countries and reaffirmed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s interest in supporting greater engagement between American companies and the Ethiopian market.
The discussions also focused on opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment relations, strengthen private sector partnerships and promote increased business-to-business engagement.
The two sides further exchanged views on the new airport development project and the interest of U.S. financing institutions in supporting the financing of the major initiative.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and commercial relations between Ethiopia and the United States and exploring practical measures to encourage increased investment and trade cooperation in the years ahead.